Distributor repair device



Feb. 10, 1959 dgwn'y wmfmww ATTORNEYS.

United States Patent DISTRIBUTOR REPAIR DEVICE Ralph L. Ewing, Chicago, Ill.

Application June 3, 1957, Serial No. 663,139

14 Claims. (Cl. 29-76) This invention relates to a distributor repair device, and more particularly, to a device useful in refacing the points of a distributor employed in the electrical system of an internal combustion engine.

The distributor mechanism -of an internal combustion enginein its most common form, the automobile-can be likened to a brain. The distributor formulates the electrical impulses which initiate the combustion necessary to propel the automobile. These electrical impulses are ordinarily created by a pair of contacts which move into and out of engagement with each other with great frequency. It is not unusual for the faces of the contacts to become pitted, worn, or otherwise in need of refacing or dressing. Conventionally, this has been done by a garage mechanic who manually files down the contact faces. For superior performance of an engine, these faces must be properly dressed, otherwise an improper impulse will be created. Since the contact faces are only about 1%6 of an inch in diameter, the dressing of the faces by manual filing would not appear to be a delicate job. However, the location of the distributor underneath the hood of a car has made the job of filing difficult. With the increased emphasis on engine compactness in recent years, the distributor has become almost inaccessible for repair. In many modern cars equipped with V8 type engines, the distributor is located between the V, that is, along the longitudinal center line of the car. It is positioned just `forward of the fire wall, that is, at the rearmost part of the engine-containing chamber. Still further, it is often partially shielded by an air filter. This means that a mechanic, in order to repair a distributor, must assume a prone position on the fender of a car and reach over and into the engine Vchamber to work on the distributor. Often, lighting is poor since a drop-light must be employed to get light underneath the hood. Thereafter, the mechanic must remove the distributor cap and begin his ling operation. For points to be properly dressed, the faces must be planar and parallel. Thus, it is necessary for the mechanic to position the tile properly, otherwise the faces will be dressed at an improper angle. Under the most favorable conditions, and assuming that the le can be moved across the faces while the le itself is being held in the proper plane, points can be dressed in a matter of minutes, providing however, the mechanic does not become too uncomfortable because of his awkward position.

Because what seems a rather simple task has become complicated and arduous due to its physical surroundings, many distributors are not repaired by redressing of the points but rather by installation of new points. Although the replacement operation may take upwards of one hour of time, excluding the time needed for adjustment of points, it is employed in some cases since then there will be no doubt that the points are planar and parallel. However, it is to be appreciated that this expedient although solving the problem, is wasteful both of time and material Where neither need be wasted.

lCC

It is therefore a general object of this invention to provide a distributor repair device that overcomes the disadvantages and problems set forth above. Another object is to provide a distributor repair device that is operable to reface the points of a distributor mechanism from a comfortable working position of the mechanic so employed. Still another object is to provide a distributor point refacing device that can reface the point surfaces in a matter of a few minutes. Yet another object is to provide a device of the character hereinbefore described which is self and automatically aligning in redressing point faces to a planar and parallel relation. A further object is to provide a distributor point redressing tool that can be employed with equal facility on points disposed either clockwise or counterclockwise. Other objects and advantages of this invention can be seen as this specication proceeds.

This invention is described, in an illustrated embodiment, in the accompanyingA drawing, in which:

Fig. l is a plan view of a distributor unit with the cap thereof removed to show some of the working parts, the distributor being shown equipped with the device hereinafter described; Fig. 2 is an elevational view, partially in section, of a distributor equipped with the device hereinafter described; Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3 3 of Fig. l; Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 4*4 of Fig. 3, and further showing in fragmentary form a crank attachment; Fig. 5 is an elevational view of the device shown in cross section in Fig. 3; Fig. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of a part of the repair device and distributor and which shows the device and distributor during a repair opera tion; and Fig. 7 is an elevational view of a crank used in conjunction with the device shown in Figs. 3 and 4.

In the illustration given, the numeral 1G, as seen in Figs. l and 2, denotes generally a distributor unit. The unit shown has had its cap removed so as to expose some of the working parts thereof. The distributor shown is of the general type on most modern-day American automobiles. Since distributors of this nature are well known to the art, it is believed that a detailed description of the various portions of a distributor is unnecessary for the purpose of this invention. It is to be noted, however, that distributor 10 includes a housing 11. Housing 11 is provided with a constricted portion 12 in which shaft 13 is journalled. Shaft 13, adjacent the end thereof within the wider portion of housing 11, is equipped with `a cam 14. Cam 14 is generally polygonal in cross section. For an 8-cylinder car with one set of points, cam 14 .has an octagonal cross section so that 8 electrical impulses are provided in one rotation of shaft 13.

Mechanically actuated by cam 14 is a distributor point unit generally designated 15. Distributor point unit 15 is movably or positionably mounted within housing 11. Distributor point unit 15 includes a base plate 16 provided with slots 17 through which extend cam-adjusting screws 18. Cam-adjusting screws 18 are received within housing 11 andare used to position distributor point unit 15 so as to achieve the proper spacing of the points faces when cam 14 is at its high point, as will be more fully explained hereafter.

Distributor point unit 15 also includes a lug or support 19, usually integral with base plate 16 and which carries fixed point 20, all of which can be seen most clearly by reference to Fig. 6.

Distributor point unit 15 is also provided with a movable contacting member 21 which is pivotally mounted thereon onl post 21a, as can be best seen in Fig. l. Movable contacting member 21 is provided with point or contact 22 (best seen in Fig. 6) at the unsecured end thereof. Point 22 is urged into contact with point 2() under the influence of spring 23 (best seen in Fig. I). Spring 23 is a leaf-type spring secured at one end to a lug 24 integral with base plate 16, and is secured at its other end to movable contacting member 21. Movable contacting member 21 is provided with cam follower 25 which engages the periphery of cam 14.

In the illustration given, shaft 13 and therefore cam 14 (as seen in Fig. l) rotates in a clockwise direction. Thus, 8 times per revolution a high point of cam 14 engages cam follower 25, causing movable contacting member 21 to be pivoted on post 22 so as to separate points or contacts 2G and 22, thereby forming an electrical impulse. The electrical impulse is properly shaped through the electrical cooperation of condenser 26. After a period of operation, the mating faces of contacts 2t) and 22 become uneven. This may be due to pitting, improper arcing, or just uneven wear. Contacts and 22 therefore need to be repaired or replaced. Because of the aforementioned ditliculty in obtaining access to the distributor for the fairly delicate operation of refacing contacts 20 and 22, it is a not uncommon practice to remove distributor point unit either for repair on a work bench or for complete replacement. lf either of these expedients are followed, it is generally necessary once again to adjust the point spacing when cam follower 25 is abutting a high point of cam 14. Such adjustment also is rather delicate since the spacing must be of the order of 0.0l6-0.018 inch. The time and tools needed for adjustment, along with the time and tools needed for replacement or bench repair make this corrective measure a fairly expensive one. By the use of the tool hereinafter described, the faces of contacts Ztl and 22 can be redressed in situ in a matter of 2 to 3 minutes with generally no need of subsequent adjustment of gap or spacing.

In the illustration given of such a device, reference is made especially to Figs. 2, 3, and 5 for ready appreciation of some of the important features of the device. The device is shown in position in the top central portion of Fig. 2, while the device in various views is shown dissociated from a distributor in Figs. 3 and 5. The device which is designated generally by the numeral 27, is shown in Fig. 2 as being mounted on the end of shaft 13 which extends above cam 14. It is also mounted on lug 19 which carries fixed contact 20, the means for mounting on lug 19 being best seen in Fig. 5 and designated by the numeral 28.

Device 27 is seen to include a 3-piece frame 29 which includes shaft-mounting element 30, cross member 31, and lug-mounting member 32. These three elements are seen to be interconnected by rivets 33. Shaft-mounting member 30 may be provided with an internal bushing 34 (as seen in Fig. 3) so as to accommodate member 30 to various diameter shafts 13. Lug-mounting member can be best appreciated in detail from a consideration of Fig. 4, which shows this member in enlarged cross section. In Fig. 4, lug-mounting member 32 is seen to be an L-shaped plate 35 with the vertical leg of the L disposed downwardly. Secured to the inner face of the downwardly extending leg of L-shaped plate 35 is a stiffening plate 36. Plate 36 is provided with a recessed portion 37 adjacent its end away from the base of L- shaped plate 35. Thus, the ends of L-shaped plate 35 and plate 36 provide lug-engaging jaws for lug 19, as can be appreciated from a consideration of the lower portion of Fig. 4. The extremity of the downwardly projecting leg of L-shaped plate 35 is notched as previously indicated at 2S, so as to abut contact 20 when lug-mounting member 32 is mounted on lug 19. lf desired, the end 36a of plate 36 and the end 35a of the downwardly extending leg of L-shaped plate 35 can be spaced closer together than the thickness of lug 19, and can be constructed of a resilient material so as to exert a clamping force on lug 19, as by providing a brackettype structure.

Lug-mounting member 32 is provided with a pair of gears 37 and 38 rotatably mounted thereon against plate 36. Gear 37 is provided with shaft 37a which is journalled in a suitable opening in plates 35 and 36, while gear 38 is provided with a shaft 38a which also is journalled within a sitable opening within plates 35 and 36. Shaft 37a is provided with a square opening extending axially therethrough and designated 39 which is adapted to receive the wrench end 40 of a crank 41, seen in Figs. 4 and 7. Shaft 38a is provided with an axially outwardly extending lug 42 which removably carries a rotary file or grinding disk 43. Gears 37 and 38 being interconnected, permit rotation of disk 43 through the operation of crank 41 when crank 41 is inserted in the axial opening 39 of shaft 37a.

My invention will be further understood after reference to the following discussion which relates to the use and operation of this invention in refacing the points of a distributor.

Operation When it is desired to reface the points of a distributor, the mechanic rst removes the distributor cap and then mounts device 27 as shown in Figs. l and 2. Distributor shaft-mounting member 30 is positioned over the top end of shaft 13, provided with vbushing 34 if necessary. Lug-mounting member 32 simultaneously engages lug 19, with the recess in element 36a abutting fixed contact 2t). Thereafter, grinding disk 43 is mounted on mounting lug 42, the contacts 20 and 22 being held apart temporarily to permit this mounting. I prefer to provide grinding disk 43 separate from the remainder of the device since each part therefor can be readily mounted in place. Thereafter, the wrench end 40 of crank 41 is inserted into opening 39. When crank 41 is turned, grinding disk 43 also turns, providing redressed surfaces on contacts 22 and 20.

It is to be appreciated that only a very short time is required to mount the device in place. Thus, a minimum of discomfort is encountered by the mechanic. If the distribut-or is at a most inaccessible place Within the car, necessitating a long reach from where the mechanic chooses to stand, crank 41 can be provided with a sockettype extension designated 41a in Fig. 7. Crank y41 is also provided with an intermediate flexible portion 4lb which permits the crank to be operated from the angle desired by the mechanic.

It is to be appreciated that where the distributor in question contains two sets of points, the second point can be readily refaced merely by repositioning device 27 by rotating lug-mounting member 32 to a new position, with shaft-mounting member 30 remaining in place.

Lug-mounting member 32, is pivotaliy secured by rivet 33 to cross member 31, permitting rotation of lug-mounting member 32 about the center line of its Aassociated rivet 33. This permits application of device 27 to all distributors, irrespective of their rotation. In the illustration given, the rotation of the distributor shaft isl clockwise. In many instances, distributors are designed so that the shaft rotation is counterclockwise and therefore the parts of distributor point unit 15 will be reversed. lt is a general practice inthe production of distributor mechanisms for use in American automobiles to position the contacts forward of thecam follower 25 in so far as the direction of rotation is concerned.

By providing device 27 with two points of mounting on distributor 1t), I substantially immobilize or stabilize device 27 so as to permit remote operation of grinding disk 43. The mounting of device 27 on lug 19 substantially prevents grinding of contacts 2G and 22 in planes other than the one desired. Additionally securing device 27 on shaft 13 prevents rotation of device 27 which might tend toproduce an uneven resurfacing of contacts 2t) and 22, irrespective of the maintenance of the device and grinding disk r43 in the desired plane.

It is important to note that grinding disk 43 is maintained in self-aligning condition by the insertion into slot 43a of lug 42 along with ythe parallel surfaces of contact and contact 21. It is to be appreciated, therefore, that mounting lug 42 acts to restrict disk 43 only against movement in the plane lof disk 43, disk 43 being movable along the height of lug 42 in order to be aligned properly between the faces of contacts 20 and 21.

While in the foregoing specification l have set forth specific structures in considerable detail for the purpose of illustrating embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that such structures and such details are but illustrative of the invention and that the same and the details thereof may be varied widely by those skilled in the art, Without departing from the spirit of my invention.

I claim:

l. A device for repairing distributor points in situ comprising a frame removably engageable with a portion of said distributor for mounting said device, le means rotatably mounted on said frame, means associated with said frame for rotating said le means, and means on said frame for removably engaging a second portion of said distributor to stabilize the mounting of said frame on said distributor.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the said frame is removably engageable with a portion of the iixed contact of said distributor.

3. A device according to claim 2 wherein the said frame is also adapted to be removably engaged with the shaft of said distributor.

4. A device for repairing distributor contacts by resur facing the faces thereof while the said contacts are installed in a distributor unit, comprising a frame provided with a depending member, said depending member being removably engageable with a contact arm of said distributor, file means associated with said member, and means on said frame for engaging a portion of said distributor for substantially immobilizing the engagement of said member with said contact arm.

5. Adevice according to claim 4 wherein the said member is engageable with an upright lug on the fixed contact arm of said distributor.

6. A device according to claim 5 wherein the said member is provided with a lug-engaging bracket at one end thereof.

7. A device for dressing distributor points in situ, cornprising a frame, a depending member on said frame adapted to engage the upstanding lug of said distributor carrying the fixed point of said distributor, whereby said frame and member are rotatable in a single plane, a second depending member on said frame adapted to engage an abutment in said distributor to prevent rotary motion of said frame and member in said plane, and le means mounted on said frame.

8. A device according to claim 7 wherein said second member engages the shaft of said distributor.

9. A device according to claim 8 wherein said second member is provided with a removable bushing.

10. A device for refacing distributor points in situ cornprising a U-shaped frame, -one of the legs of said frame being provided with a bracket at the end thereof engageable with the upstanding portion of the xed point of a distributor, the other leg of said frame being provided with a shaft engaging recess and engageable with the upstanding end of the shaft of a distributor, a rotary file removably mounted on the first mentioned of said legs, and positionable between the points of a distributor when said rst mentioned leg engages the said upstanding portion, and means mounted on said leg for rotating said file.

ll. A device according to claim 10 wherein said rst mentioned leg is pivotally associated with said frame.

l2. A device according to claim 10 wherein said means for rotating said file comprises an elongated crank member, said crank member having a flexible portion intermediate the ends thereof.

13. A device for repairing distributor points in place, comprising a frame removably engageable with a portion of said distributor for mounting said device, a circular abrasive disk rotatably mounted on said frame, crank means mounted on said frame and operatively connected with said disk for rotating said disk, and means on said frame for removably engaging a second portion of said distributor to stabilize the mounting of said frame on said distributor.

14. A device according to claim 13, in which said abrasive disk is provided with a mounting slot engaging a complementary mounting lug on said frame.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,947,662 Robinson Feb. 20, 1934 2,051,309 McConnell et al Aug. 18, 1936 2,579,360 Brown Dec. 18, 1951 2,649,868 Gommel Aug. 25, 1953 

